Podcast appearances and mentions of Dan Crenshaw

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 90:47 Transcription Available

Chuck Todd breaks down the Texas primary results and finds a political landscape that should terrify the Republican establishment. Ken Paxton and John Cornyn are headed to a runoff on the GOP side, but the headline number is stunning: Democrats posted a higher overall vote total than Republicans in the Texas primary, a seismic signal in what has long been the country's biggest red state. He credits Talarico's viral Colbert moment with giving him a massive boost, notes that Latino voters broke decisively for Talarico over Jasmine Crockett — who ran an unconventional campaign and is unlikely to concede quickly — and argues that a Paxton vs. Talarico general election would genuinely put Texas in play. He walks through the strategic calculus: history favors Paxton in a runoff, Cornyn has outperformed polling but a Cornyn nomination would draw less national Democratic investment in the race, and Democrats should have the budget to compete in Texas regardless — because Texas is "nice to have" for Democrats but "must have" for Republicans, and if Democrats win even once there, it opens the floodgates. He also flags Dan Crenshaw losing after failing to secure Trump's endorsement, the razor-thin two-vote margin for the state senate campaign in North Carolina, and a broader pattern of bad developments piling up for the GOP — capped by Trump stoking voter skepticism with an unpopular Iran war. His verdict: this is the worst possible start to an election cycle for Republicans, because it's easy to start a war and very hard to end one. Finally, Chuck lists his ToddCast Top 5 All-Time Texas statewide elections and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://zbiotics.com/CHUCKTODDCAST and use CHUCKTODDCAST at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.” Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or AmericanFinancing.net/TheChuckToddCast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Ken Paxton & John Cornyn headed to a runoff 02:30 Democrats had a higher vote total than Republicans in Texas primary 03:45 Talarico’s moment with Stephen Colbert gave him a huge boost 05:00 Several house races headed to a run off 07:00 Latino voters broke fairly decisively for Talarico 07:45 Crockett didn’t run a conventional campaign 08:30 Crockett is unlikely to concede quickly 10:00 We never got the full story on the Colbert moment 11:15 Fighter vs Uniter is the divide amongst Democrats 13:00 If Cornyn can stay ahead of Paxton, that will matter to Trump 14:30 Talarico being the nominee will make establishment Republicans nervous 16:00 History says it’s more likely that Paxton wins the runoff 18:00 Cornyn has outperformed the polling 18:30 With Paxton & Talarico as the nominees, Texas is in play 19:30 Do senate Democrats play in the Republican runoff? 20:30 If it’s Cornyn vs. Talarico, the national party won’t help Talarico as much 22:00 Will Dems spend on Alaska, Iowa and Nebraska? 23:15 Dems should have the budget to target Texas 24:00 Texas is “nice to have” for Dems, it’s “must have” for Republicans 25:30 If Democrats win once in Texas, it opens the door for more wins 26:45 Two vote margin for the state senate president in North Carolina 27:45 Dan Crenshaw didn’t get Trump endorsement and lost 29:15 Bad developments keep happening for the Republican party 30:15 Trump is only stoking voter skepticism with Iran war 31:30 It’s easy to start a war, it’s hard to end one 32:00 Worst possible start to an election cycle for the Republicans 41:30 ToddCast Top 5 All-Time statewide campaigns in Texas history 43:30 #5 2006 Governor’s race 49:00 #4 1994 Governor’s race 52:00 #3 1924 Governor’s race 55:30 #2 1962 special election for senate 1:00:15 #1 1948 Democratic senate primary 1:07:45 Honorable mentions 1:10:15 Ask Chuck 1:10:30 Take on Pete Hegseth’s briefing on the Iran war? What are the objectives? 1:16:45 Why is a war powers resolution needed? How can congress restrain Trump? 1:20:00 Will this war be better received if not launched during tax season? 1:24:30 Explaining complex political & world events to your kids?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Episode - Texas Primary Result Is Bad News For Republicans + The Power Of All The Empty Rooms

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 142:33 Transcription Available

Chuck Todd breaks down the Texas primary results and finds a political landscape that should terrify the Republican establishment. Ken Paxton and John Cornyn are headed to a runoff on the GOP side, but the headline number is stunning: Democrats posted a higher overall vote total than Republicans in the Texas primary, a seismic signal in what has long been the country's biggest red state. He credits Talarico's viral Colbert moment with giving him a massive boost, notes that Latino voters broke decisively for Talarico over Jasmine Crockett — who ran an unconventional campaign and is unlikely to concede quickly — and argues that a Paxton vs. Talarico general election would genuinely put Texas in play. He walks through the strategic calculus: history favors Paxton in a runoff, Cornyn has outperformed polling but a Cornyn nomination would draw less national Democratic investment in the race, and Democrats should have the budget to compete in Texas regardless — because Texas is "nice to have" for Democrats but "must have" for Republicans, and if Democrats win even once there, it opens the floodgates. He also flags Dan Crenshaw losing after failing to secure Trump's endorsement, the razor-thin two-vote margin for the state senate campaign in North Carolina, and a broader pattern of bad developments piling up for the GOP — capped by Trump stoking voter skepticism with an unpopular Iran war. His verdict: this is the worst possible start to an election cycle for Republicans, because it's easy to start a war and very hard to end one. Then, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Josh Seftel joins the Chuck Toddcast to discuss All the Empty Rooms, his devastating Netflix documentary short that chronicles the untouched bedrooms of children killed in school shootings since Sandy Hook. Seftel describes a country that has grown numb to over 100 school shootings just this year — where the reporting cycle moves on before victims' stories can truly be told — and explains how the simple, visceral act of standing in a dead child's bedroom forces viewers to feel something that statistics never could. He reveals that many parents have kept these rooms exactly as their children left them, preserving even the smell, creating what amounts to sacred spaces frozen in time.Chuck draws the parallel to the decision to show Emmett Till's open casket, and Seftel argues these painful stories must be told regardless of how uncomfortable they make us, because imagery can be more powerful than the spoken word. What makes the film's approach so striking — and so strategically effective — is what it leaves out. The word "gun" is never mentioned, a deliberate choice to avoid triggering the political reflexes that shut down conversation before it starts. And it's working: Seftel shares that a Second Amendment enthusiast changed his mind after seeing the photos of empty rooms, and even a Sandy Hook denier reached out after watching. The film's funders didn't want to make money — they wanted to make change — and Netflix's global distribution has given it a massive reach. Seftel says the conversation has to start with one simple question — "How do we keep kids safe at school?" — and that the film intentionally got better as it got shorter, stripping away prescription and polemic to let the silence of those rooms do the work. Finally, Chuck lists his ToddCast Top 5 All-Time Texas statewide elections and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://zbiotics.com/CHUCKTODDCAST and use CHUCKTODDCAST at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.” Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or AmericanFinancing.net/TheChuckToddCast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Ken Paxton & John Cornyn headed to a runoff 02:30 Democrats had a higher vote total than Republicans in Texas primary 03:45 Talarico’s moment with Stephen Colbert gave him a huge boost 05:00 Several house races headed to a run off 07:00 Latino voters broke fairly decisively for Talarico 07:45 Crockett didn’t run a conventional campaign 08:30 Crockett is unlikely to concede quickly 10:00 We never got the full story on the Colbert moment 11:15 Fighter vs Uniter is the divide amongst Democrats 13:00 If Cornyn can stay ahead of Paxton, that will matter to Trump 14:30 Talarico being the nominee will make establishment Republicans nervous 16:00 History says it’s more likely that Paxton wins the runoff 18:00 Cornyn has outperformed the polling 18:30 With Paxton & Talarico as the nominees, Texas is in play 19:30 Do senate Democrats play in the Republican runoff? 20:30 If it’s Cornyn vs. Talarico, the national party won’t help Talarico as much 22:00 Will Dems spend on Alaska, Iowa and Nebraska? 23:15 Dems should have the budget to target Texas 24:00 Texas is “nice to have” for Dems, it’s “must have” for Republicans 25:30 If Democrats win once in Texas, it opens the door for more wins 26:45 Two vote margin for the state senate president in North Carolina 27:45 Dan Crenshaw didn’t get Trump endorsement and lost 29:15 Bad developments keep happening for the Republican party 30:15 Trump is only stoking voter skepticism with Iran war 31:30 It’s easy to start a war, it’s hard to end one 32:00 Worst possible start to an election cycle for the Republicans 42:00 Josh Seftel joins the Chuck ToddCast 43:45 People are surprised by the portrayal in “All the Empty Rooms” 44:15 Public has grown to accept over 100 school shootings a year 45:00 Seeing the empty rooms of victims forces you to feel something 46:30 Why has mass shooting frequency been accelerating? 48:00 Does media coverage of shootings plant the seed for more? 49:15 Says a lot about American psyche that True Crime is so popular 50:30 Focus of the doc is on victims, not the shooters 51:00 Asked parents of every child killed since Sandy Hook to film their room 54:00 Media that means to come back to tell victims stories aren’t able to 55:00 Stories must be told, regardless of how painful. Like Emmit Til 56:15 Many parents kept their slain children’s rooms untouched 57:15 Parents want to preserve the smell of their children 58:15 How did you compartmentalize when making this doc? 1:00:15 The hope of the doc is that everyone can feel the weight of the loss 1:01:30 People with the power to fix this problem need to see this doc 1:03:00 The word “Gun” is never mentioned, didn’t want to turn off viewers 1:04:45 Photos of empty rooms led 2A enthusiast to change his mind 1:05:30 Got an email from a Sandy Hook denier that watched the doc 1:07:30 The doc paints a 3D image of the victims, that gets missed normally 1:10:00 Parents choose to grieve & respond in different ways 1:12:00 Each family & parent has a different relationship with the empty room 1:13:45 Some families want to move, but can’t bring themselves to pack up room 1:15:30 Was it hard not to get prescriptive? 1:18:00 Conversation must start with “How do we keep kids safe at school?” 1:19:00 The film got better as it got shorter 1:20:00 Imagery can be more powerful than spoken word 1:21:15 Streaming on Netflix allows for far wider distribution 1:22:30 Funders for the doc didn’t want to make money, they wanted to make change 1:26:00 The topic wasn’t just powerful, it was visually powerful 1:31:45 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Josh Seftel 1:34:30 Texas senate race has a chance to become an all-timer 1:35:15 ToddCast Top 5 All-Time statewide campaigns in Texas history 1:37:15 #5 2006 Governor’s race 1:42:45 #4 1994 Governor’s race 1:45:45 #3 1924 Governor’s race 1:49:15 #2 1962 special election for senate 1:54:00 #1 1948 Democratic senate primary 2:01:30 Honorable mentions 2:04:00 Ask Chuck 2:04:15 Take on Pete Hegseth’s briefing on the Iran war? What are the objectives? 2:10:30 Why is a war powers resolution needed? How can congress restrain Trump? 2:13:45 Will this war be better received if not launched during tax season? 2:18:15 Explaining complex political & world events to your kids?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BENSON BYTE: Rep. Dan Crenshaw Discusses Possibility of Iranian "Sleeper Cells" Following U.S. Strikes Against Iranian Regime

Guy Benson Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 20:05

Congressman Dan Crenshaw, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Texas's Second Congressional District, joined us on the Guy Benson Show to discuss this weekend's strikes against Iran. Crenshaw discussed why the preemptive strike against the Iranian regime was "necessary," and discussed why Trump was "right to seize" this "inevitable moment." Crenshaw also discussed this weekend's shooting in Austin by a gunman with who might have been motivated by the U.S. attack against the Iranian regime. Rep. Crenshaw also discussed Texas politics, and you can listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

texas donald trump house iran strikes iranians possibility sleeper cells bytes crenshaw dan crenshaw iranian regime second congressional district guy benson show

Full Episode - Trump's “Ends Justify The Means” Presidency + What's Broken In Congress & How To Fix It

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 155:56 Transcription Available

Chuck Todd delivers a searing assessment of a war he calls one of choice, not necessity. He argues that "ends justify the means" sums up everything about Trump's presidency, noting that the rationale for the war has shifted multiple times, there was no smoking gun incident to prompt the strikes, the administration's credibility with the public is extremely low, and Trump's own surrogates spent years warning that Democrats would start a war with Iran. He questions whether the U.S. got boxed in by Netanyahu and whether Trump is simply looking for his own Delcy Rodriguez-style compliant leader in Tehran, pointing out the absurdity of calling on Iran's military to surrender without clarifying to whom. He warns that regime change is a tall order that gives America enormous responsibility it isn't prepared for, that oil prices are set to soar with massive domestic political consequences, and that the prior cuts to Voice of America were a shortsighted mistake now that winning hearts and minds actually matters. He warns that if unilateral executive war-making becomes normalized, America will have fundamentally changed its republic. He closes by pivoting to the Texas primary, where Talarico appears to have momentum heading into election day, Trump has refused to endorse in the GOP race leaving Cornyn exposed, and total primary turnout will serve as a critical bellwether for November's midterms. Then, Rep. Sean Casten — the Illinois Democrat, clean energy entrepreneur, and scientist-turned-congressman who was inspired to run for office by Trump's first election — joins the Chuck ToddCast for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about what's broken in Congress and how to fix it. Casten pulls back the curtain on congressional dysfunction, describing a body increasingly populated by pundits and influencers rather than legislators, where televised hearings reward political theater over policymaking and cabinet secretaries like Scott Bessent feel they don't have to answer to Congress at all. He walks through his grilling of Bessent on the legality of the Venezuelan oil seizure — a moment where the Treasury Secretary had no good answer. Casten warns that congressional weakness is the single biggest issue plaguing the federal government. They debate Chuck’s long-standing position of uncapping the House of Representatives to bring the ratio down to 400-500,000 constituents per member, Casten pitches creating a block of 12 nationally elected senators to serve the national interest, and — most provocatively — stripping the Supreme Court of its self-granted power to set its own docket, a power Congress gave and can take away. He notes that Iceland copied America's government structure and eventually scrapped its senate. He closes by identifying income inequality, AI, and the changing job market as the seminal issues of 2028, warning that if Trump's own supporters prioritize economic concerns, the pitchforks will be coming out. Finally, ahead of the Texas primaries on Tuesday, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit Texas’s declaration of independence from Mexico & the unique forces that shaped the state’s “Lone Star” mentality. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://zbiotics.com/CHUCKTODDCAST and use CHUCKTODDCAST at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.” Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or AmericanFinancing.net/TheChuckToddCast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 06:00 “Ends justify the means” sums up everything about Trump’s presidency 06:45 The administration’s credibility with the public is extremely low 07:30 Military sources are less likely to lie to reporters than political ones 08:30 The rationale for the war has changed multiple times 09:15 There was no smoking gun incident to prompt the war 10:30 Regime change is a tall order & gives us more responsibility 12:00 Trump has called for the Iranian military to surrender… but to whom? 12:45 Cuts to Voice of America was a shortsighted mistake 13:30 After massacre of protesters, there was a humanitarian case for strikes 15:00 Is Trump looking for his own Delcy Rodriguez in Iran? 15:30 Did the U.S. get boxed in by Netanyahu? 16:30 This a war of choice, not a war of necessity 17:15 Trump & surrogates warned for years that Dems would start a war with Iran 18:00 Trump has targeted two world leaders in less than a year 19:00 The administration has created a massive political problem 19:30 Trump has given up domestically, focused on foreign policy legacy 20:30 Trump doesn’t think about consequences beyond what’s good for him 21:15 This war will create an identity crisis for the Republican party 21:45 This has the potential to be incredibly good for the middle east 22:15 10/7 was the biggest strategic mistake Iran has ever made 23:30 Gulf states can’t keep their neutrality, MBS talked Trump into attacking 24:30 Iran’s proxies were more effective than their actual military 25:00 Israel is clearly the military power of the middle east 25:45 Oil prices likely to soar and will impact politics domestically 27:15 Trump probably cuts the deal if Iran completely capitulated 28:00 Iran was more forthcoming in negotiations than Russia is 29:15 Trump only chooses fights he knows he can dominate 30:00 Congress has itself to blame by not even bothering to vote 31:00 Will the American people decide that congress is optional 31:45 Contradiction between campaign rhetoric & governance should matter 32:45 If unilateral executive action becomes normal, we change our republic 34:15 Success overseas rarely translates to votes at the ballot box 35:30 Iraq & Afghanistan are still a mess twenty years after intervening 36:15 Talarico seems to have momentum prior to Texas primary 36:45 Trump refused to endorse in Texas 37:30 Dan Crenshaw is the only Republican in Texas without Trump’s support 38:30 Total turnout in Texas primary will be a bellwether for November 39:15 There are a lot of Cornyn/Talarico voters 49:00 Rep. Sean Casten joins the Chuck ToddCast 50:45 Leadership has hijacked congress 51:45 Congress increasingly has more pundits/influencers than legislators 52:30 Hearings being televised leads to more political theater 53:00 In the minority, all you can do is move public opinion 54:00 Grilling Scott Bessent on legality of Venezuelan oil seizure 55:15 Bessent is the adult behind the scenes, but not publicly 57:00 There was no way for Bessent to answer the question well 57:30 Administration has no authority to distribute Venezuelan oil 58:45 Rubio and Bessent didn’t coordinate their stories 1:00:00 Cabinet secretaries feel they don’t have to answer to congress 1:00:45 Trump was constrained in his first term, not in this term 1:02:00 Rubio will get blamed if foreign adventurism goes poorly 1:03:15 Loyalty is a one-way street with Trump 1:04:00 Congressional dysfunction is biggest issue with federal government 1:04:45 Why give up your job as CEO to run for congress? 1:05:45 Wanted to combat climate change as a member of congress 1:07:15 Trump’s election inspired many people to get off the sidelines 1:08:00 Congress rarely takes back its power, other branches grab more 1:09:15 American democracy only gets updated after major upheaval 1:11:45 What structural reforms to democracy would you like to work on? 1:13:00 Senate, electoral college and Supreme Court are holding us back 1:13:45 Create a block of 12 nationally elected senators to serve national interest 1:14:30 Congress can strip appellate jurisdiction from the Supreme Court 1:15:30 Congress gave SCOTUS power to set their own docket, can take it away 1:17:15 Without lifetime appointments, Trump probably fires Gorsuch & Barrett 1:18:15 SCOTUS justices are mostly partisan warriors 1:19:30 Iceland copied U.S. government structure, eventually scrapped senate 1:21:30 Size of the House of Representatives needs to be uncapped 1:24:30 400-500k constituents per congress member seems about right 1:26:15 What’s the appetite in congress for real structural reform? 1:27:45 New construction for a bigger congress is a solvable challenge 1:29:30 Members in less than safe seats incentivized to be in-district over D.C. 1:32:30 There’s value in being in-district and having the pulse of the community 1:33:15 Democratic party is viewed as poorly as Trump in polls 1:35:30 Do Democrats have a leadership problem or party brand problem? 1:36:15 Democratic voters punishing the party for not putting Trump away? 1:37:30 Biden had major legislative wins because he understood process 1:39:00 America needs a Churchill, fighter type in the Oval Office 1:40:30 Obama, Clinton and Carter weren’t on the radar 2-3 years before election 1:42:00 Do Democrats want a “fighter” or “uniter” as their next nominee? 1:44:15 Income inequality, AI & job market will be seminal issues in 2028 1:46:30 If Trump supporters prioritize economic concerns, pitchforks will be out 1:51:00 Congress has same proportion of “knuckleheads” as any workplace 1:53:30 ToddCast Time Machine - March 2nd 1836 1:54:15 Texas formally declares independence from Mexico 1:55:00 Independence declared in a small town, not a capital 1:56:15 There was a substantial population of Tejanos already in Texas 1:57:00 The revolution was multiethnic 1:57:30 Texas received exemptions for slavery under indentured structures 1:58:00 How the Alamo became a symbol 1:58:45 “Remember the Alamo” was a powerful rallying cry 2:00:00 Sam Houston eventually defeated the Mexican forces 2:00:30 From 1836-1845, Texas was an independent republic 2:01:30 The disputed border provided the pretext for war 2:02:00 Texas retained extraordinary autonomy compared to other states 2:03:30 Texas doesn’t just have an origin story, but an argument with its past 2:04:30 Ask Chuck 2:04:45 What is the political risk for Trump in not making war case to the public? 2:08:15 Why is the media so quick to jump onboard the administration’s framing? 2:12:30 How strong was the nuclear deal Obama struck with Iran? 2:17:00 Why aren’t drafters of the Articles of Confederation considered founding fathers? 2:20:30 Is Trump trying to elicit a “rally around the flag” effect to help the midterms? 2:24:00 Will Trump force through tariffs using a different emergency authority? 2:28:15 How was the career change from network to independent?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck's Commentary - Trump's “Ends Justify The Means” Presidency + A Texas-Sized Showdown In The Lone Star State

The Fifth Column - Analysis, Commentary, Sedition

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 90:31 Transcription Available

Chuck Todd delivers a searing assessment of a war he calls one of choice, not necessity. He argues that "ends justify the means" sums up everything about Trump's presidency, noting that the rationale for the war has shifted multiple times, there was no smoking gun incident to prompt the strikes, the administration's credibility with the public is extremely low, and Trump's own surrogates spent years warning that Democrats would start a war with Iran. He questions whether the U.S. got boxed in by Netanyahu and whether Trump is simply looking for his own Delcy Rodriguez-style compliant leader in Tehran, pointing out the absurdity of calling on Iran's military to surrender without clarifying to whom. He warns that regime change is a tall order that gives America enormous responsibility it isn't prepared for, that oil prices are set to soar with massive domestic political consequences, and that the prior cuts to Voice of America were a shortsighted mistake now that winning hearts and minds actually matters. He warns that if unilateral executive war-making becomes normalized, America will have fundamentally changed its republic. He closes by pivoting to the Texas primary, where Talarico appears to have momentum heading into election day, Trump has refused to endorse in the GOP race leaving Cornyn exposed, and total primary turnout will serve as a critical bellwether for November's midterms. Finally, ahead of the Texas primaries on Tuesday, Chuck hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to revisit Texas’s declaration of independence from Mexico & the unique forces that shaped the state’s “Lone Star” mentality. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Go to https://zbiotics.com/CHUCKTODDCAST and use CHUCKTODDCAST at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.” Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. American Finance Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1081, for details about credit costs and terms. Or AmericanFinancing.net/TheChuckToddCast Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 06:00 “Ends justify the means” sums up everything about Trump’s presidency 06:45 The administration’s credibility with the public is extremely low 07:30 Military sources are less likely to lie to reporters than political ones 08:30 The rationale for the war has changed multiple times 09:15 There was no smoking gun incident to prompt the war 10:30 Regime change is a tall order & gives us more responsibility 12:00 Trump has called for the Iranian military to surrender… but to whom? 12:45 Cuts to Voice of America was a shortsighted mistake 13:30 After massacre of protesters, there was a humanitarian case for strikes 15:00 Is Trump looking for his own Delcy Rodriguez in Iran? 15:30 Did the U.S. get boxed in by Netanyahu? 16:30 This a war of choice, not a war of necessity 17:15 Trump & surrogates warned for years that Dems would start a war with Iran 18:00 Trump has targeted two world leaders in less than a year 19:00 The administration has created a massive political problem 19:30 Trump has given up domestically, focused on foreign policy legacy 20:30 Trump doesn’t think about consequences beyond what’s good for him 21:15 This war will create an identity crisis for the Republican party 21:45 This has the potential to be incredibly good for the middle east 22:15 10/7 was the biggest strategic mistake Iran has ever made 23:30 Gulf states can’t keep their neutrality, MBS talked Trump into attacking 24:30 Iran’s proxies were more effective than their actual military 25:00 Israel is clearly the military power of the middle east 25:45 Oil prices likely to soar and will impact politics domestically 27:15 Trump probably cuts the deal if Iran completely capitulated 28:00 Iran was more forthcoming in negotiations than Russia is 29:15 Trump only chooses fights he knows he can dominate 30:00 Congress has itself to blame by not even bothering to vote 31:00 Will the American people decide that congress is optional 31:45 Contradiction between campaign rhetoric & governance should matter 32:45 If unilateral executive action becomes normal, we change our republic 34:15 Success overseas rarely translates to votes at the ballot box 35:30 Iraq & Afghanistan are still a mess twenty years after intervening 36:15 Talarico seems to have momentum prior to Texas primary 36:45 Trump refused to endorse in Texas 37:30 Dan Crenshaw is the only Republican in Texas without Trump’s support 38:30 Total turnout in Texas primary will be a bellwether for November 39:15 There are a lot of Cornyn/Talarico voters 48:00 ToddCast Time Machine - March 2nd 1836 48:45 Texas formally declares independence from Mexico 49:30 Independence declared in a small town, not a capital 50:45 There was a substantial population of Tejanos already in Texas 51:30 The revolution was multiethnic 52:00 Texas received exemptions for slavery under indentured structures 52:30 How the Alamo became a symbol 53:15 “Remember the Alamo” was a powerful rallying cry 54:30 Sam Houston eventually defeated the Mexican forces 55:00 From 1836-1845, Texas was an independent republic 56:00 The disputed border provided the pretext for war 56:30 Texas retained extraordinary autonomy compared to other states 58:00 Texas doesn’t just have an origin story, but an argument with its past 59:00 Ask Chuck 59:15 What is the political risk for Trump in not making war case to the public? 1:02:45 Why is the media so quick to jump onboard the administration’s framing? 1:07:00 How strong was the nuclear deal Obama struck with Iran? 1:11:30 Why aren’t drafters of the Articles of Confederation considered founding fathers? 1:15:00 Is Trump trying to elicit a “rally around the flag” effect to help the midterms? 1:18:30 Will Trump force through tariffs using a different emergency authority? 1:22:45 How was the career change from network to independent gone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State of the Union Post-Mortem with Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) - #546

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 113:53

-Matt Welch's Caribbean identity crisis at Da Pig Beach-The State of the Union aka a two-hour hostage note-A greatest hits, lowest lights compilation for President Camacho-The futility of “speeching” your way through a math-defying approval rating-You can't talk your way through a 38% approval rating-Let the hockey boys drink-Dan Crenshaw is allowed to be mad-The RNC's new guard of real fucking bozos and sycophantic dick-tots-JD Vance as anti-corruption czar and populist beard for the crypto-regime-Tariffs and The Gilded Age corruption engine, now with “ballroom fund” exclusions-Drug prices are down 600%,….so do you owe me money?-Moynihan screaming drug questions at his glitching phone-Marxist Republicans and the gobbledygook of corporate housing bans-Maybe let's just abolish the State of the Union-Dispatches from the Purple State: An interview with Senator Elissa Slotkin-Stop kicking allies in the teeth to play grab-ass with dictators-Walking out on Lindsey Graham's Danish disdain-AI thinks Moynihan is a neo-folk neo-Nazi-Four years of war and Ukraine gets a one-sentence hand wave-Anthropic vs. Hegseth: Code is speech until the Pentagon wants a frictionless kill-switch-We tried collectivism once. Everyone starved. The end.-Gemini identifies the mystery caller as Friedrich Nietzsche, chimney sweep-About that BBC BAFTA N-Word Drama….-“You're acting like Israel” is the ultimate Park Slope breakup trump cardPrefer to watch & chat live with other members of the Fifdom? This episode premieres over on our YouTube channel NOW.The Fifth Column (A Podcast) is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Follow The Fifth ColumnYouTube: @wethefifthInstagram: @we.the.fifthX: @wethefifthTikTok: @wethefifthFacebook: @thefifthcolumn This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

State Of The Sitcom

Political Playlist Happy Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 43:21

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna discuss their take on the recent State of the Union speech, and the effectiveness of the theatrics of it all. We then discuss Dan Crenshaw, the Politician On Our Playlist this week, who's a Republican from Texas and has been very vocal about using the military to go after the drug cartels. This is relevant because the Mexican Military just killed one of the most feared cartel leaders, "El Mencho" this week. Later in the episode, we break down How To Talk About Kash Patel and his off-ice antics in Milan, and of course Anna has some thoughts on that locker room phone call from the President. In fact, I think we all do. Lastly, the Win Of The Week comes in the form of an unlikely "fan" from Vegas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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PM Show Hr 2 | Dan Crenshaw Doesn't Know Why He & Michael (& His Voters) Broke Up

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 31:50

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Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Cartels: Crenshaw's Take on U.S. Foreign Policy Choices | Ep. 279 | Pt. 3

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 52:28

In the final part of Episode 279 of Mike Drop, Mike Ritland and Congressman Dan Crenshaw wrap up their discussion. Crenshaw addresses federal spending, waste vs. fraud in entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, the unsustainable path of these programs, and why meaningful reform remains politically toxic. The conversation shifts to foreign policy—Ukraine aid, Israel support, deterring China over Taiwan, cartel threats, and U.S. involvement abroad—before touching on immigration enforcement, regrets, and reflections on public service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Crenshaw Responds to Shawn Ryan and Eddie Gallagher Controversies | Ep. 279 | Pt. 2

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 76:46

In Part 2 of Episode 279 of Mike Drop, host Mike Ritland sits down with U.S. Congressman and former Navy SEAL Dan Crenshaw for a candid, no-filter conversation. Crenshaw breaks down the Shawn Ryan controversy—accusations of insider trading, fabricated threats, and the collapsed podcast interview—while defending his actions during the Eddie Gallagher case. He also shares his perspective on the realities of Congress, term limits, foreign aid, the legislative process, and why he stays in the fight despite the personal cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#511 Meet Steve Toth

FAIRtax Power Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 29:05

With election season for the midterms heating up, it's important for voters to know where the candidates stand on important issues like tax reform and replacing the income tax with the FAIRtax.To this end, FAIRtax Power Radio welcomes Steve Toth to the program. Steve is running for Congress in Texas District 2. This week, the FAIRtax Guys explore Steve's position on the FAIRtax as he seeks to unseat incumbent Congressman Dan Crenshaw.This episode includes AI-generated content.

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Dan Crenshaw Controversy and Allegations - YOU Be The Judge | Ep. 279 | Pt. 1

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 86:30

Dan Crenshaw sits down with Mike Ritland on the Mike Drop Podcast for a raw conversation. The former Navy SEAL and Texas Congressman opens up about his journey into politics, major policy fights (border security, cartels, flood mitigation, energy dominance), and directly addresses insider trading allegations, campaign finance, and the heated drama with Shawn Ryan and Eddie Gallagher—sharing receipts and his unfiltered side of the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PM Show Hr 1 | Dan Crenshaw is a Feckless Inside Trading Scoundrel

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 32:48 Transcription Available

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Texas Protesters against Dan Crenshaw Defend the First Amendment as Police Retreat at his Town Hall

Politics Done Right

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 13:12

Texas protesters lawfully challenged Dan Crenshaw's record. Police tried to move them. Calm resistance and constitutional knowledge forced authorities to back down.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

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PM Show Hr 1 | SEAL Eddie Gallagher on Being Targeted by Dan Crenshaw and Other Politicians

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 32:22 Transcription Available

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AM Show HR 2 | - Feeling Personally Responsible for The Fact That Dan Crenshaw Was Elected

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 31:04 Transcription Available

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AM Show Hr 3 | Cancer Posts, Crenshaw & Croissants

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Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 31:55 Transcription Available

Michael dives into American exceptionalism, Texas memories, Facebook cancer hoaxes, Dan Crenshaw’s transformation, the glory of glazed croissants at H‑E‑B, and why everyone needs at least one friend with a boat, a truck, or a stocked pond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Addressing the 'Controversies' — Dan Crenshaw on Andy Stumpf's Podcast

Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 165:54

Dan Crenshaw recently sat down with Andy Stumpf for his Cleared Hot Podcast, and over three hours, they covered a lot of ground, from policy debates to fake headlines. They spent the first hour digging into a variety of real issues. If you're here for the recent social media-driven drama, skip about an hour in. Andy didn't hold back. He asked about everything—"insider trading," Mexico, fake threats, and podcast drama. This episode was long, intense, and necessary. Andy Stumpf is a retired Navy SEAL and host of Cleared Hot Podcast. Find him on X at @AndyStumpf77 and on Instagram at @andystumpf212.

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Nick Tran's Fight Against Endless Wars, PTSD, and Taking on Dan Crenshaw | Ep. 273 | Pt. 2

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 46:05

In this intense continuation of Episode 273 of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland talks with three-time combat vet Nick Tran — Army National Guard medic, former oil & gas leader, and current Republican challenger to Dan Crenshaw in Texas' 2nd District. Raw, real, and unfiltered — essential listening for anyone who values authentic warrior stories and patriotism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Dan Crenshaw Confronted By Nick Tran | Ep. 273 | Pt. 1